Try great places the crowds don't know about

So much the better for the crafty traveler who can find a little slice of heaven away from the throngs.

Here's where to look.

Brussels, Belgium

Why people ignore it: Blame it on the French. Say Brussels to one of them, and the nose goes up. Non, non, non.

Why they shouldn't: Brussels has the edge over most bistros in Paris, thanks in part to fresh fish and cockles from the cold North Sea. There's also a marvelous medieval Grande Place, elegant Art Nouveau architecture and cool, funky neighborhoods downtown.

Info: visitbelgium.com

Cape Ann, Mass.

Why people ignore it: In the book of New England conventional wisdom, Cape Cod is where beautiful people go, and Cape Ann is where cod fishermen come from.

Why you shouldn't: Cape Ann is not only a great stretch of rocky coast about 40 miles north of Boston and one of America's oldest fishing ports, it's also a cross-section of Yankee humanity. Info: seecapeann.com, rockportusa.com

Carpinteria, Calif. (B)

Why people ignore it: Carpinteria lives in the shadow of glamorous Santa Barbara, which is 12 miles up the coast.

Why you shouldn't: It's a charming, affordable family getaway, where everyone can find something fun to do on the beaches or in the hills. You also can overnight in a tent or RV at the state beach or at one of the handful of reasonably priced hotels (but not always cheap on summer weekends). In fact, during the recent wildfires in Santa Barbara County, Carpinteria became the place to go for people fleeing the flames.

Info: California State Parks, parks.ca.gov, 805-968-1033; City of Carpinteria, carpinteria.ca.us

Disneyland Resort/Walt Disney Studio Park, Paris (C)

Why people ignore it: This American-style theme park, opened in 1992, was seen as cultural imperialism.

Why you shouldn't: A couple of days at Disneyland Paris might be a much-appreciated reward for little ones after being dragged through European museums and historical sites.

Info: disneylandparis.co.uk/index.xhtml

Door County

Why people ignore it: Far from major cities, and the hipness factor is minuscule.

Why you shouldn't: This is a sparkling getaway amid tall trees and lake views. Recreation-wise, the region pulses with options: kayaking, fishing, whitewater rafting and great hiking. The Door Peninsula features enough shopping, dining and inn-hopping to keep this area bustling.

Why people ignore it: There's so much stunning red-rock country in Utah that this park doesn't get much love.

Why you shouldn't: Go for the photo ops; stay for the easy hiking. Goblin Valley is packed with little sandstone turrets and hoodoos that rise from the desert floor like an abandoned movie set made of Play-Doh.

Info: stateparks.utah.gov; 435-564-3633

Kailua, Hawaii (A)

Why people ignore it: How does a community compete with Waikiki? It can't.

Why they shouldn't: Drive to Kailua Beach Park, and park yourself on the sand. As you drift off to sleep, you will know this is how Hawaii was meant to be experienced.

Info: kailuachamber.com

The Mississippi River

Why people ignore it: Maybe because the Midwest and the South can get beastly hot. In summer.

Why you shouldn't: This river, which touches 10 states and covers about 2,550 miles, might be the single most vital artery in the American character.

Info: experiencemississippiriver.com; roadsideamerica.com

Naples, Italy

Why people ignore it: Naples is known for crime (petty and organized), toxic waste, poverty, unemployment and general dilapidation.

Why they shouldn't: You have to be careful, but to give it a pass would be to miss one of Italy's most intense cities, cleaving to the coast under Mt. Vesuvius, gazing over one of the world's most beautiful bays.

Info: italiantourism.com/campania.html

Singapore

Why people ignore it: This former British trading colony has a repressive reputation. And it's not exactly around the corner.